Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Work Desk and a Cowboy Card

We've been in the middle of a heat wave!  Temps in the 80s*F and absolutely fabulous!  But yesterday I was stuck at my desk for a while as I worked on blog and FB business stuff for February.  But I also took my weekly picture of my desk as I join in with others who share their desks along with head desker Julia at the Stamping Ground.



I have 2 cards (center front) just finished that I will be teaching Feb. 23.  Then, off to the right is my Amaze die cut machine, and ink pad, and some embellishments.  Up against my OTT light is a card I received in the mail. Far left, stamps, dies, and lots of odds & ends that need to be put away. And the back half of the picture are my paper scraps (far right), ink pads, tools, and finally my Cricut and more tools.  Hopefully today I'll get 2 more cards made so I can get my class advertised and news letter out on Thursday or Friday.

But I had to make a card recently as our grandson-in-law is having a birthday tomorrow and he is a cowboy through and through.


All products are from Fun Stampers Journey but the pattern papers are retired.  I used them because they were the colors I wanted to use.


I had to laugh as these little embellies are more brown than the green they look.  Funny how photos can change the color of things.


I used a sketch from Tuesday Morning Sketches but was too late to submit it. Oh well.

Please now leave a comment then head over to the Stamping Ground and check out the links to more desks!  The gals also share projects that they've done.  I'll be popping around while I'm working on more card ideas.  And happy February tomorrow!!!

StampinCarol

Monday, January 29, 2018

A Black Magic Hydrangea

Recently a fellow coach made a card using her version of the Black Magic technique.  I hadn't thought of this technique in years and pretty much followed how she did it.  I think it turned out pretty good.


First I swiped some Whip Cream PanPastel from our Party Pop PanPastel collection on  Black Licorice card stock  with the large sponge in the Journey Sofft Tools to stop any embossing powder from sticking where it isn't wanted. The I stamped the gorgeous hydrangea from our new Bloom Burst using Clear Pigment ink then embossed with our Journey White embossing powder.  I heat set the powder with a Heat Gun.  I put some of our Gesso on a piece of Clear View Sheet and added a bit of water to thin. Using a Medium Blending Brush I "painted" the thinned Gesso on the flower, leaves, and stem and let dry.  Then I picked my desired colors from our Color Burst pencils.  I colored the flowers first with the lightest color then with the darkest color around the centers. I also colored the leaves and stem using 2 shades of green. I then splattered this with Whip Cream Silk.  I layered the stamped piece on Pool Play and Deep Lilac card stocks.



I stamped the text from the stamp set using Clear Pigment ink on a small piece of Black Licorice card stock and embossed with White embossing powder then heat set. I also splattered it with Whip Cream Silk and layered it on the same colors of card stock.  A few Pearls completed the card.

This card really pops in real life, the pictures just do not do the card justice.  Have you tried this technique lately?  Give it a try!  It's relatively easy (though a bit time consuming) and makes for a stunning look!

StampinCarol

Friday, January 26, 2018

Missing You

This is the 4th and final card of the projects we made while in Texas for our Leadership Conference earlier this month.  The more I play with this set, Bloom Burst, the more I like it!



We colored this gorgeous card with our Liquid Colors and Re-inkers.  We also used our Fusion Blender with the reinkers for better blending.  I keep forgetting I have it so this was a great reminder!

We used quite a variety of products on this card yet, to me, it doesn't seem too busy.
Coloring & Mediums: Cool Pool, Pretty Amethyst, Lovely Blue, and Lavender Fusion Liquid Colors
Sparkle Silk
Punch Items: Tag Time cartridge and Punch Handle
Adhesives: Easy Glide Runner, Foam Squares Medium and Small




We stamped the flower with the Denim Days ink then colored first with Lavender Fusion L.C. in a blending brush in the center of the flowers then adding Pretty Amethyst in another blending brush and coloring outward from the centers.  My photo didn't do that great a job showing just how beautiful it turned out!

This gorgeous stamp set is in our Bloom This Way Trends Mini and is available through the end of March.

StampinCarol

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

WOYWW 451 and a Special Flower

What a week! Seems like I've been running and running!  Yesterday and today I'm working on prepping for a class on Friday.  I'll be teaching how to make a Pop & Twist Snowman card.  So, as of yesterday afternoon my desk was VERY busy! And  giving you a look at my desk is part of a fun weekly blog tour of desks put together by our head desker, Julia at the Stamping Ground.


So, on my desk..
Left of my paper trimmer is the open set of directions I made of the card step by step.  There are 7 pages. On the trimmer is a piece of paper for kits I'm putting together.  One gal called and she has NO paper so I'm making kits to sell over and above the cost of the class. Further right is a pile of a kit in progress.  Then my Amaze machine.  It has been busy, too.  As of Monday afternoon I had 5 students and chances are I'll get another 1 or 2 by tomorrow.

But I did get to "play" a bit this past weekend.  I seen a cool card on Pinterest and tried it with all FSJ products.


I used a piece of our new Print paper and die cut a flower out of the center.  I backed it and kinda reattached the flower. More die cuts and text and I think it turned out pretty cool.  I'll probably try it again with a different set of dies.


Such a simple design.  Anyway,  my post is over. Please head over to the Stamping Ground and check out links to other desks.  You'll be all over parts of Europe and the U.S.

StampinCarol

Monday, January 22, 2018

Happy Birthday Hydrangea

I just don't have catchy post titles.  I guess my imagination doesn't quite extend that far!  Anyway, here's another card we made in Texas. This one (and the next post) showcases the new set called Bloom Burst.  It is gorgeous!


We played with 5 of our Liquid Colors on this card. We used our Blending Brushes and added a few drops of color to the 3/4 full of water brush for each color.

Card stocks: Butter Cream, Cool Pool, & Color Splash Watercolor Paper
Inks: Black Licorice & River Stone (used for the flowers)
Liquid Colors: Cool Pool, Lovely Blue, Bubble Gum,  & Watermelon Fusion,
Silks: Cool Pool
Accessories: Photo Pin Elements, Journey Thread Silver, Sparkle Drops, Blue Skies Sequins, & Cool Pool Parade Journey Tape
Dies: Hexagon
Tools: Details Pro Shears, Media Mister, Blending Brush Medium, Paper Trimmer (we trimmed the watercolor paper before adhering to the card base)
Adhesives: White Liner Tape & Foam Squares


After we stamped the flowers with the River Stone ink we misted the watercolor paper well and started "painting" with the color filled blending brushes.  Toward the end we flicked the Cool Pool Silk for the puddles.  I think my paper was a bit too dry to get the effect we were shown,

This card turned out much prettier than I thought it would.  It will require being either hand delivered or put in a bubble envelope as the embellishments stick up a lot!

StampinCarol

Saturday, January 20, 2018

Celebrate!

I have so much to share after my trip to Texas so I'm going to post today as an extra bonus!



When I first seen this die set, Gift Slider Die Set, I thought, I'll not have a use for it.  BUT, when we made this card in Texas, I loved it!  The candle print paper represents a gift card. And here's another view of it cut out all by itself in case you can't quite visualize it from the catalog...


It makes such a difference in how you embellish! But I better give you the supplies used in this card.
Card stocks: Whip Cream, Watermelon Fusion, Beach Breeze, Bubble Gum, Summer Days, and
Birthday Pop Prints.
Stamps: Celebration Script Bundle (stamps & coordinating dies)
Other Dies & Punches: Cloud Dreams & Border Basics, Love Is punch cartridge (heart)
Inks: Black Licorice & Pool Play
Accessories: Party Pop Buttons, Lemon Sparkle Tape, Summer Play Sparkles, Journey Bubble Gum Thread
Tools: Details Pro Shears, Punch Handle, Crease Tool, Large Dauber Dowel
Adhesive: Easy Glide Runner, Foam Squares



Here's a closer look at the bow.  We die cut the slider part a 2nd time and cut off the top and bottom strips then used Foam Squares to adhere in the middle before adding the fun stuff.

Isn't this a fun and cheerful way to give a gift card?  You can change up the print paper and sentiment for any season!

I'd love to hear from you what you think of this.

StampinCarol

Friday, January 19, 2018

I'm Just Here For The Cake

I attended a special Fun Stampers Journey Leadership by Design conference in Geogetown, TX the 10th - 12th and it was fabulous.  Only those who had a team (people who joined in the company under them) were allowed to attend but many of the workshops were taped and will be available to non-attendees. But, we had 4 make n takes and here's one.  I just mailed it to our granddaughter who celebrates her birthday Sunday.



This is the straight on view.  It is very similar to a card style I taught years ago but this one uses a die!  But I'll let you know first what you see here..
Card stocks: Whip Cream, Turbo Teal, Black Licorice, Candy Apple, and Birthday Pop Prints
Ink: Black Licorice
Stamp Set: Let's Eat Cake
Coloring Medium: Cool Pool Liquid Color (cake), Bubble Gum & Electric Lime Silks (cake decorations)
Accessories: Sparkle Cuts (on cake), Button Up, Journey Twine Licorice Twist, and Candy Apple Satin Ribbon
Adhesives: Journey Glaze, Foam Squares, Easy Glide Runner
Tools: Details Pro Shears, Punch Handle,  Small Blending Brush, Crease Tool1" Circle Cartridge (used at the top for the ribbon) and Journey Ovals dies
and
Window Pop (a new die!!!)


Here's a side view of the card open!  The sentiment also makes this function as an easel card, how cool is that!!


You can really see the Sparkle Cuts sparkle! What a fun card!

I would love to hear what you think of this card.

StampinCarol

Thursday, January 18, 2018

The Certified Celebrator and Valentine's Day Fun

I had a fabulous time in Georgetown, TX last week and got to meet a special person.  Her name is Brittany Young and talk about a fireball of energy and crafty fun!  And FSJ partnered with her for a special event!


I had to reduce the size of the picture so please click on it for more info. Brittany will be doing a LIVE FB video early February!  She will be making a bunch of fun Valentine's Day projects using our Fun Stampers Journey products. As a coach I cannot take part but YOU CAN!!  You must order the special Bundle of products  ($49.95 plus tax/ship) starting tonight after 8:30 pm Central time from my website and enter the bundle number (BD-0372) in the Search Box.  You should be taken to the Certified Celebrator Live Mini Valentine's Class Kit page.  Right now it's showing sold out but that's because it's not available until after 8:30 CT tonight.  There will only be 600 kits available so you have to act fast!

I hope you'll join in the fun! And the first person to sign up through my site will get a special card from me as a bonus!  Just a few hours to go!!!

StampinCarol

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

WOYWW 450 and a Diaper Teddy Bear

I was MIA last week as I was in Georgetown, TX for our Fun Stampers Journey Leadership Conference.  I flew out O Dark Thirty Wednesday morning and got home early evening Sunday.  I absolutely had a ball! We had workshops and crafting time, a Texas Hoe Down (quite the dinner and learned to do basic line dancing), and lots of food and snacks.  But 2 weeks ago I said I would share my version of the Diaper Teddy Bear that I made for a diaper shower at church.  But first, since this is Wednesday I am taking part in the weekly blog hop of desks put together by Julia of the Stamping Ground.  So....  my desk.


This photo was taken yesterday afternoon.  I was working on completing 3 of our 4 projects at the conference.  Seems like when we work with glitter and other more messy products I prefer to wait until I get home. Here you see my planner on the left with the directions to the projects. And my 4th project is front and center ready to work on.  The green tool on the right is my Bloom Tool, very similar to the Tool-in-1 by Spellbinders but with more attachments.  Then my ATG adhesive roller and stamps sets I got at the conference. As to the back half, oh so much!  One highlight of our conference was meeting Brittany Young, the certified celebrator!  Talk about a fireball of energy! She is on FB and does oodles of crafts! I highly recommend you check her out!  FSJ partnered with her and so far I think it's great!

Ok, I bet you're ready to see my Diaper Teddy.  Ashley just loved it as did all the ladies at the shower.


I didn't use a lot of diapers but did use lots of rubber bands and pipe cleaners! Socks on the arms and legs, a pacifier, a wash cloth, and a little beanie for supplies and black card stock for the eyes and nose.  What a hoot!

So now please leave a comment and then head over to the Stamping Ground for the links to other desks!

StampinCarol

Monday, January 15, 2018

Welcome Baby

I realized that I had not shared the card I made to go with my Diaper Teddy for the baby shower on the 6th.  I bought this stamp set, Welcome Baby ATS, specifically to make this card.



I started with a Bubble Gum card stock base and added a Whip Cream layer.  I then splattered some Bubble Gum Silk and let dry.   Next I die cut the banner from the Occasion Banners Die Set out of Bubble Gum card stock and adhered.  I die cut a banner from the Banner Parade Die set and stamped the text with Bubble Gum ink and ran and ink pad around the banner.


I stamped the 4 elements from the Welcome Baby set using Bubble Gum ink on Whip Cream and carefully detail cut them out with my Detail Pro Shears.  A bit of Journey Glaze and some Sparkle Dust really jazzed them up!  I needed to balance the element of the card so I added some pink Candy Dots to the bottom right and on the banner.  I also used our Foam Squares, Easy Glide Runner, and the Amaze machine.

I love how this turned out and Ashley enjoyed it, too!

StampinCarol

Friday, January 12, 2018

Love Is In The Air

Here's the 4th and final card I'll be teaching next Friday at my Valentine Card class. This one is my favorite of the 4.


I love the simplicity of this card but to me it is also very elegant! And look at that paper!  Isn't it just gorgeous!  Anyway, I started with a base of Cranberry Bliss and added a layer of Through the Year Prints. I also used Bubble Gum and Whip Cream card stocks. The hearts were made using our Heart Film die and the scallops were made using our Border Basics dies.


I used Cranberry Bliss ink and a sentiment from Ampersand Notes along with sponging some Cranberry Bliss ink on the heart to make the focal point.  A bit of Bubble Gum Thread and some Candy Drops finished the card.

StampinCarol

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

A Perfect Arrangement

A week from Friday I have a Valentine Card class and I've shared 2 of the cards I'll be teaching.  Here's another.




I'm enjoying this fun Perfect Atoms Bundle and it would be great for birthdays, anniversaries, and Valentines Day!   I used Whip Cream, Denim Days, Pineapple Smoothie, Tangerine Fusion, and Designer Choice Prints car stocks.  How do you like our beautiful Pool Play Sparkle Washi Tape?  It just pops on the card. I used our Banner Parade die set, Black Licorice ink, and Color Burst Pencils.


Here you can see more of the sparkle of the Washi tape.  I also used our Easy Glide Runner, the Amaze machine, and Foam Squares.

StampinCarol

Monday, January 8, 2018

2 Valentine Cards

I have a Valentine Card class on the 19th and here are 2 of the cards I'll be teaching.


I used a fun set called Perfect Atoms Bundle for this card. It's very simple yet gets the point across.  Also used was Whip Cream and Bubble Gum card stocks, Circle dies, Sweet Candy Drops, Bubble Gum Thread, Black Licorice ink, and Color Burst Pencils.


For this card I used a new set from our Bloom This Way Trends Mini catalog, the Storybook Occasions stamp set.  I used Pretty Pansy, Watermelon Fusion, Whip Cream, and Spring Filled Prints papers,  I Heart embossing folder, Natural Twine, Pink World sequins, Journey Squares diesBlack Deco strip, Black Licorice and Pretty Amethyst inks, and Color Burst Pencils.

Wednesday I'll be headed to Georgetown, TX for our Fun Stampers Journey "Lead By Design" conference.  I'll be taking some classes, learning new ideas, playing with new products, and having a blast!  I'll be sharing my projects when I get back.

StampinCarol

Friday, January 5, 2018

Campfire Friend

I recently played with a Sketch challenge on an FSJ coach FB page.  I tried to come up with a Valentine card but, nope.  I just couldn't. 

Here's the sketch:


I turned this sketch on its end and came up with this:


I like our Campfire Friends Bundle as it is perfect for little boys (we have a grandson and 2 great grandsons).  And this bundle is one of our most popular purchases!  I started with a card base of Black Licorice.  I cut a layer of River Stone and added strips of  Oatmeal Cookie and a Designer Choice Print.  I wrapped some Black Licorice Thread over the strips before adhering the card stock to the base.  I tied on a little piece of the thread and adhered a small Nature Button over the knot. After stamping and die cutting the fox and teepee I colored them with our Color Burst Pencils and adhered.


I stamped the sentiment on Banana Cream card stock and die cut it and a piece of Black Licorice card stock with 2 sizes from our Banner Parade die set.

I think this card will be great for a little boy's birthday (and maybe for a big boy!)!

StampinCarol

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

WOYWW 448 And A Diaper Teddy

Wow!  It's hard to believe it is 2018.  Seems like the older one gets the faster the time goes. But I'm looking forward to a new day, a new time, and maybe even, a new me as I grow and change with the coming year.  There's so much to reflect on, to resolve to change...

But today, again, is Wednesday.  The day of a weekly tour of desks. Week 448. Yes, this number keeps changing, too! But so many of us have fun sharing our desks and projects or whatever is important to us.  All this is brought together by Julia at the Stamping Ground. And here's my desk...


I have just finished a couple projects and am starting on another.  Just to the left of center is a bunch of baby items and to the right is a package of diapers. Far left is a pile of stamps, embellishments, and whatnot.

 I'm going to try to make this:


I found it on Pinterest and will be working on it for a Diaper Shower for a sweet young mother from church on Saturday.  She is having a girl.  Last year I tried making a diaper cake and it was rather a flop.  I hope I do better with this project. I have most all of today and all of Friday to figure it out. There were no directions.  I'll take pics of mine and share maybe next Wednesday.

Please now head over to the Stamping Ground for the links to other desks.  Keep checking back as crafters sign up all morning and there are usually about 30 links.  See you around the web!

StampinCarol

Monday, January 1, 2018

Bananas For You

Happy New Year!!!

I hope you had a safe celebration last night and prayers and hopes for a bright 2018!

We have grandchildren and great grandchildren that we send goodies to for Valentines Day and I've been playing with our Steel Rule Milk Carton die to make a goody holder.  Here's one I played with this week....


I purchased this die during our 12 Days of Deals and watched a video about it and started playing with an idea.   I started with a sheet of our Limeade Splash card stock and carefully scored ALL lines (we were told in the video to not forget the diagonal lines).  I determined where I wanted to die cut the little heart (using our Heart-Felt die set) and also die cut a heart out of a piece of our new Spring Filled Prints (I'll get the link added when I get home from work at noon). I carefully figured out the placement of the plaid piece and trimmed to fit.  I added a piece of our Clear View Sheet to the print piece THEN I assembled the carton. I stapled the top with our Silver staples and used the ribbon from the candy bag. I added the little Mini Wooden Clothespin for fun.


I purchased some banana shaped candies for this idea and I put them in a little baggie  and put it in the carton through the bottom. No need to tape shut for such a light item.


I used a retired set called Punny Stuff as I love this for little kids.  I added a store purchased paper straw for effect.

This was a hoot to make and I love how it came out!

Today is the start of our Launch Party for our Bloom This Way Mini!  I'll make a post both here and on my Stampin Hot With Carol FB page as soon as I get home from work.  And don't forget to check out this month's sale!!  Head over to my FSJ Specials page for the info! Then head over to my FSJ website and stock up on your organizational items today!

StampinCarol